Terry’s Story

Site created on April 11, 2020

As many of you know Terry and Suzanne returned from a wonderful vacation in Vietnam on March 13th.  Everything was great - Terry showed no signs of being sick.  On March 30th Terry went to his internist for his yearly routine physical.  His blood work came back and he had a high WBC count.  They immediately suspected leukemia.  He went in for an Oncology appointment on Tuesday April 8th where they ran a bunch of test as well as a bone marrow biopsy.  Friday the 11th they went back to the Oncologist for the results.  Terry was diagnosed with a very rare type of leukemia.  B-cell PLL (Prolymphocytic leukemia).  This was devastating news for their family and friends especially during this pandemic.  

Terry will be admitted to Barnes on Tuesday and they will put a port in and he will be in the hospital till the weekend getting chemotherapy/immunotherapy.  The plan at this time is to begin treatment as an outpatient to get the cancer in remission and then get a stem cell transplant.

** Laura Hanson and Sheila Kreutzman will be keeping this site up to date.  As you can imagine Suzanne and Terry are overwhelmed at this time trying to digest all this information.  You may reach out to Laura or Sheila, please try not to call/text  Suzanne & Terry during this difficult time, per their request.  This site can be used for well wishes and spreading the love.  Feel free to add comments and  pictures of Terry :)  Please check back often for updates on Terry.   We will continue to update this site as the treatment plan progresses.  

***PLEASE NOTE THAT DONATIONS ON CARING BRIDGE DO NOT GO TO TERRY & SUZANNE.  ***

Newest Update

November 4, 2020

Journal entry by Laura Hanson —

Hi Team Tiller,
 
I am happy to share that Terry is now past the hallmark "100 days". He had a PET scan, Upper endoscopy, bone marrow biopsy, and labs done last week. I am thrilled to share that all testing was NEGATIVE and he still has 100% donor cells in marrow. He is now past the swollen feet and ankles, skin rashes, and almoooooost done with the mouth and throat sores. He is finally eating again. Day 100 I let him have a glass of wine while we were playing The "80's" trivia game, he won. 
 
Life is going to get back to normal even with Covid, I just know this. The plan is for Terry to return to work after the first of the year. I know he is not interested in that but......Yes, he's got one more year :) I cannot begin to thank you all for prayers, positive thoughts, and concern about me and Terry. We both realize that we have the best extended family anyone could have. 
 
We are still on a journey but the road seems shorter. Unfortunately with COVID we cannot even gather to celebrate. So THANK YOU ALL for caring for me and Terry. We love you all. 
 
Suzanne

 

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